Students intending to enter this program at the freshman level should complete two years of algebra and one semester of trigonometry in high school. One year each of high school geometry and physics is very desirable as well.

All lower division courses (course numbers below 300) included among the degree requirements are available at many community colleges in California; students intending to enter the program upon transferring to San Francisco State University from a community college should take as many of those courses there as possible.

Students should plan their program of study in the major with the help of a departmental advisor in order that the correct sequence of courses be taken and a proper set of electives be chosen. It is also suggested that students consult with an advisor before selecting courses to meet General Education requirements.

Below are example schedules for the most common types of full-time students:

Those who enter as a freshman with proper high school background, and those who transfer as a junior with proper community college background. Many students, of course, will not fit either of these patterns, and some for individual reasons will want to arrange their schedules differently.Please discuss your particular situation with the appropriate advisor.

Your background is assumed to be adequate in English, and to include two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one semester of trigonometry. A year of high school physics is useful but not required.

Notes: The 48-unit GE requirement includes 12 units in basic subjects, 27 units in Segment II, Arts and Sciences Core, and 9 units in Segment III, Relationships of Knowledge. In addition, courses must be chose to meet the American Ethnic and Racial requirements, the Lifelong Development requirements, the US History and US Government Requirements (3 units each) and, in the Physical and Biological Sciences, the laboratory component. Please note that Math 226 meets the basic subject quantitative reasoning requirement, and Physics 220 meets the Segment II, Physical Sciences requirements, with lab component.

Your background is assumed to include Freshman English, US History, 40 units of GE, and equivalents of the following major courses: CSC 210, 212; CSC 213(301); Math 226, 227; Phys 220, 230.